“It is unacceptable that neither law enforcement nor the public are notified when registered sex offenders are released into our communities,” Assemblymember Cervantes said. “This bill will provide law enforcement with more tools to track registered sex offenders and help keep our streets and neighborhoods safe.”

AB 1994 would require county jails to notify DOJ within 15 working days when a registered sex offender has been admitted to or released from their custody.

State prisons and state hospitals are currently required to notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) when a registered sex offender is in custody. However, there is no law that similarly requires county jails to notify DOJ when a registered sex offender is either admitted to or released from their custody. This is especially concerning since the enactment of public safety realignment in 2011 has resulted in an increased number of registered sex offenders being detained in county jails, rather than the state prison system.

AB 1994 is supported by Attorney General Xavier Becerra. You can find more information about the bill here.

Sabrina Cervantes proudly represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the cities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, a portion of Riverside, and unincorporated communities.